In 2014, a small Facebook page emerged, quietly igniting a spark among future house music lovers. Few could have predicted that this modest online community, created for fans to share tracks and exchange ideas, would evolve into a global phenomenon. Today, Future House Music (FHM) stands as one of the most prolific independent labels in electronic music, celebrating ten years of reshaping the EDM-house music landscape.
Marking this milestone, FHM has released a captivating documentary on its YouTube channel, offering fans an insider’s view of the label’s remarkable journey—from its humble origins to its status as a global trailblazer. This story, however, is more than a tale of beats and tracks; it’s a saga of perseverance, community, and an unwavering belief in the power of future house music.
The story began in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with co-founders Aart van den Dool and Gino van Eijk, who shared a vision of spotlighting the niche genre of future house music. “When we started FHM, we had big dreams but limited resources,” Aart recalls. “Future house was still a niche genre in 2014. But we quickly realized we weren’t alone in our passion. It was exhilarating to see fans and artists flocking to this new wave of house music.”
By 2015, the page’s growing momentum emboldened FHM to take a bold leap—signing its first official record. Jonas Aden’s single marked the birth of FHM as a record label. That moment cemented their commitment to championing new talent and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for house music.
As their audience grew, so did their ambitions. In 2016, FHM opened its first office in Rotterdam, taking the leap from online presence to a full-fledged operation. The journey wasn’t without challenges. “We had no idea how to hire or lead a team,” Aart admits. “But that steep learning curve taught us the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people.”
Their perseverance paid off. In 2017, FHM hosted its first branded festival stage at We Are Electric, a defining moment that put the label on the map. The following year brought even greater success with the viral track “Brass” by Dirty Rush & Gregor Es. By 2019, FHM’s YouTube channel hit 1 million subscribers, becoming a cornerstone for fans of the genre.
Like any great story, FHM’s rise wasn’t without obstacles. Navigating the complexities of copyright issues on YouTube and label releases tested the team’s resolve. The COVID-19 pandemic posed another significant hurdle, temporarily halting live events and club-focused music production. Yet, through it all, the label remained steadfast in its commitment to its core values: supporting raw talent and fostering community.
In 2020, FHM launched the Future House Music Awards, celebrating the genre and its artists. The label further solidified its bond with fans by debuting official merchandise in 2021 and actively engaging with its community through platforms like Discord.
The past few years have seen FHM reaching unprecedented heights. By 2022, it ranked as the 6th most supported record label worldwide among DJs on 1001Tracklists. In 2023, FHM embarked on an international expansion, hosting showcases in countries like Japan, the USA, Malaysia, and Germany. These events weren’t just performances; they were a testament to FHM’s global influence and enduring vision.
Now, in 2024, the release of FHM’s documentary is the culmination of a decade of relentless innovation and creativity. Premiered at the prestigious Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the film captures the heart and soul of FHM’s journey, with behind-the-scenes stories, interviews with artists, and reflections from its founders. “Over the past ten years, we’ve experienced so much,” says Gino. “The documentary is more than a celebration—it’s a demonstration of what can be achieved when passion, teamwork, and determination come together.”
As FHM looks ahead, its mission remains clear: to elevate house music, support emerging talent, and connect fans worldwide. With a thriving YouTube channel, a dynamic Discord community, and groundbreaking live events, the label is primed for even greater success in the next decade.
At its core, Future House Music is not just a label—it’s a movement. A movement that began with a dream, grew through dedication, and continues to inspire millions across the globe. Here’s to the next ten years of beats, innovation, and community. Future House Music isn’t just shaping the future of house music; it’s defining it.
